GazzyG

http://imageshack.us/a/img407/5949/779t.jpg What model was it? 2013 Triumph Bonneville T100. 865cc, EFI. When did you buy it and how much did it cost? Bought from Pidcock Triumph of Long Eaton in Sept, Brand New, for £7k with £1k trade-in for my Thundercat. Good points? Looks absolutely stunning. Everyone, even those that don't like bikes, seems to comment on it. Old boys constantly coming up to have a closer look. The T100 spec has the wire-spoked wheels, chromes exhausts etc that make it look like an authentic 60s T120 Bonnie. 865cc Parallel Twin Engine is torquey, which means you can stick it in fifth and leave it for most the time. Doesn't even notice if you have a pillion on the back. Nothing like the arm-ripping acceleration of a sportsbike, but still you will find yourself pulling away from the lights and looking in the mirror to find the cars are 100 yards behind and barely moved... Upright seating position is very comfortable and relaxed, promoting a nice slow approach to riding that lets you take in the scenery. However, if the mood is upon you, it's a very easy to handle bike with modern tyres that lets you really get down low. I've managed to scrape the pegs more than once in my zeal. This bike leaves me smiling ear-to-ear on every single ride. Bad points? The seat is like sitting on a plank of wood. For short ( The stock exhausts are silent, giving that proper 'sewing' machine whirr noise. Very disappointing. Triumph supply their own optional exhausts called TORs, but they're not very loud either. I went with Norman Hyde TOGAs. They take the sound from non-existent to very loud and throaty, with plenty of popping and banging on the overrun. Just as a British twin should sound. It's quite heavy to manouever around when you're off the bike. Not a problem if you're sat on the bike, as it's quite low and stable, but when you're alongside it and moving it around your drive, for example, it's far heavier than the equivalent sportsbike. Fuel tank is a little on the small side. I tend to get around 120miles before the light comes on. The Thundercat would manage 150miles with ease. There's only 1500 on the clock, however, so I expect this might improve a little as things loosen up. Other than that, can't thing of anything bad to say... Would you get another? I'm not intending to part with it. Ever. But if the worst should happen, then yes, I'd consider another. Though the Scrambler and the Thruxton are both beautiful machines, too... Any other comments? If you get a chance, take one for a test ride. It's a confidence inspiring, fun bike that will make you smile even riding within the speed limits.

Thanks Bonniebird and Fro! I don't think my foot is broken, though for a long time last night I really thought it was, haha. Can put a slight amount of weight on it now, so it's all good. Got the BSA insured and taxed today, so decided to take it out for a shakedown ride... What an experience! Started with no additional injuries, thankfully. But then it took me ten minutes to actually pull away... Kept stalling until I figured out why... The gearbox, as well as being on the opposite side, is UPSIDE DOWN! Why did no-one tell me this? I was trying to pull off in fourth the whole time, haha! As soon as I clicked UP a few gears into first, it pulled away like a train. Sigh. Aside from that blip, it rode like a dream. Managed to get it up to 45mph in top (fourth) but didn't try for any faster, even though I'm sure it could. Has plenty of torque, as I went up some steep hills with no issue. Main problem was remembering that the back brake is on the LEFT whilst slowing for junctions... the amount of times I almost changed gear coming up to traffic lights... All in all... what a bike. So glad I got it.

Nah, it kinda kicked back and really slammed into my foot. Wasn't expecting it lol. My last kick start was a 100cc stroker haha...

I have an icepack on my foot as we speak...

Hey guys. My first foray into the world of classics. A restored BSA M21. In full running order. A few things I'm going to do to it; would like a side stand, plus some of the rubber items (grips/kick start rubber) could do with replacing. Need to mount the front numberplate too. http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/7034/q1cy.jpg

Great work!

Derby's not at all far for me, bud. We're in long Eaton to visit the in laws every week anyway! Would be no hardship to go by bike rather than car...

Nice one, TC. Thanks a lot, very helpful.

TC - are there any groups in the East Midlands that you'd recommend? I've been wanting to do an advanced course for a good while, now, but a lot of this talk has made me wary of choosing a bad instructor...

Always ridden through the winter, weather permitting.

Out of interest, are they TORs, Tango?

Yup! I'm there for the whole weekend (mate works for BMW Motorrad, so he's got me in for free).

£1500'll pick you up a more than decent Cat if you look hard enough. Shame you're down in Brizzle - i've just part-exed my Cat to a dealer in Nottingham and you'd easily be able to pick it up from them for that sort of money.

Great work, well done! I see from your avatar that you're pondering a Thundercat? I can vouch for them as great bikes.

Hey Yammy. I've just moved to Melton Mowbray so I'm literally a few minutes away from this. I'd be happy to meet up. I can't make tomorrow for a coupla reasons: a) got plans already and b) my current bike (Yamaha Thundercat) is being traded in at the end of the week! I'd be happy to come along next week, though, on the new bike! Cheers Gaz

This was confusing me too...

Sounds like you're having a good time on the bike! Top tip for riding in the wet: keep one side of your visor slightly open - stops it misting up.

Why did the girl fall off the swing? Cos she didn't have any arms...

What a lovely looking bike! It's a Duke - but smaller!

BB - that utterly sucks, wish you all the luck in gettin something soon. F*ck it!

Light a fire under the engine. That's what my grandad did for his tank in the war, lol!

Got the same ones in red, Oxford Sports, can't complain. Only thing I'd remark on is that the separate water-proof covers don't fit very well. Other than that, top quality.

Bit the bullet and just booked it in at the garage lol! Bought a whole set of four new rubbers. Gonna get them to give carbs clean out while they're off too!

That's a good idea mate, I will give it a good go. Going over there again tomorrow after I pick the mrs up from uni. I think the main reason they came off was the old knackered springs they had keeping them on; got some lovely shiney jubilee clips, so once these are on, they're not coming off lol

Aye, been searching for new rubbers on fleabay. These ones do seem to have had it, as can warm them up nice n hot with hairdryer but then as you're making haste to get them to fit, they start to cool and get harder and harder to manipulate. Getting withdrawal symptoms as it's been well over a month now since I've ridden it! Rubbers gave up when we last visited from Minehead and literally had to go back next day so had to leave her covered under a tarp in the in-laws' garden lol.